"It's ready!"
A high-pitched voice shattered the tense atmosphere, snapping everyone out of their thoughts. The group exhaled in unison, tension easing as they sank back into their seats.
Alya, lost in thought, stole worried glances at Leor.
Across from her, Vane's gaze was locked onto Johan—sharp, almost murderous, as if mentally dissecting him. But the moment Barbara approached with their food, his expression softened into a polite smile.
"These rolls are on the house. I know Master Leor likes them," Barbara said warmly, setting down four Swiss rolls alongside their order.
"Thank you… I love them," Leor replied with a forced smile.
Barbara smiled warmly at Leor before she turned back toward the kitchen.
Leor felt as if a blade had driven straight through his chest. His thoughts spiraled, drowning back to existential crisis.
"Johan Von Adlerhof… Is that correct?" Vane asked, his piercing stare never leaving James.
"Yes," Johan replied, voice clipped, forcing confidence.
"There are plenty of top universities in the Dunkeld Empire. Why not go there? And how did you even meet Leor in the first place? He's just an average student… It all sounds a little too convenient."
Johan's eyes narrowed, his composure hardening—finally getting into character. "I think you've got the wrong idea. I don't care what you think or say because… sir, I believe we're equals here. Perhaps you should offer me some respect before interrogating me!"
"You…" Vane started, his voice laced with suspicion. He paused briefly before adopting a more polite tone. "I'm not accusing you of anything—yet. You're just… suspicious." Taking a deep breath, he asked calmly, "Alright, first, just tell me—how exactly did you two meet?"
'I can't be too direct. Let's gather information first, no matter how sure I am.'
"Hm…" Johan cast a quick glance at Leor, but his friend remained silent, too troubled to intervene. 'Thanks, I guess.'
Realizing he was on his own, Johan answered, his voice measured and calm despite the tension. "We met a month ago, just outside the academy. I asked for directions, and he kindly helped me."
After a brief pause, he added, "I liked his behavior. We talked for a bit and quickly became friends."
Vane's lips curled into a cold, calculating smile. "I see. That makes sense. But tell me, where were you headed at the time? Wouldn't it have been easier to take a carriage? You could've gotten directions from the driver and reached your destination without any trouble. Surely you brought servants with you—they could've arranged everything beforehand too."
Beneath his composed exterior, Johan was panicking, a bead of sweat forming on his temple. "I get what you're implying, but… uh…" Johan coughed awkwardly, stalling for time.
Then, with calculated calmness, he said, "The first thing I wanted to do here was visit the popular brothel I heard rumors of. I felt too embarrassed to ask a carriage driver about something like that. Asking a fellow student, someone close to my own age, just felt… more comfortable. As for my destination, it was the Imperial Gardens. You're not going to ask me for my house address next, are you? Ha ha ha."
Johan forced a laugh, desperate to shift the conversation. 'That's the only place I know the name of. Please, just drop this.'
"A special man you are. The first thing you do in a completely foreign city is look for a brothel." Vane chuckled, playing along, though his gaze grew sharper.
Growing tired of their bickering, Alya intervened. "Let's eat before the food gets too cold."
Thankfully for Johan, the interrogation ended there. Of course, Vane didn't believe a single word of Johan's explanation.
Alya gently held Leor's right hand, motioning for him to eat too. Her soft, warm touch seemed to soothe the storm of confusion in Leor's mind—if only slightly.
The rest of the meal passed in uneasy silence. When they finished, Vane pushed back his chair and brushed crumbs from his lap. Alya stood with him, glancing at Leor one last time, her expression unreadable.
Click. Vane flipped open his pocket watch and checked the time.
"Leor, I arranged for the carriage to pick us up around now. We should leave," he announced.
"Yes, we should," Alya said softly, her tone warm but tinged with reluctance. Placing a hand on Leor's shoulder, she added, "Take care, okay? And don't forget to visit the church."
Leor nodded distractedly, barely acknowledging her words. His mind was elsewhere, clouded and distant.
Johan, however, maintained his sharp composure, the faintest smirk playing on his lips as if he had already won whatever invisible game was being played at the table.
"Leor," Vane said, his voice calm yet authoritative. "Write me a lightning telegram if you need anything. Understood?"
"Hm." Leor nodded, finally managing a quiet, "Thank you." to both of them.
Vane smiled back. Alya, lingering a moment longer, added, "Don't worry about it. And also, I'll try those tactics you mentioned—first with my servants, then with Father. Thanks to you too!"
After settling the bill—six silver pounds, a ridiculous amount to spend on a meal for most but a mere tip to nobles—they both stepped out of the bakery.
Leor watched them leave the small, hut-like bakery. His confusion only deepened with the growing silence.
'I have no memory of saying that… Even if I have intrusive thoughts, I would never say them out loud. Then why…? What's wrong with me today…? Why does everything feels like a burden… Even my life.' Leor thought with some dread.
Outside, Vane and Alya waited for the Lorianne family carriage. Both stood quietly, reflecting on the strange events of the day.
Alya had other things on her mind. 'I need to be prepared. Even if I have to leave everything behind, abandon everyone… I will do it without hesitation. I have a dream—a dream to be someone I don't hate. Marrying him… would just make me hate myself even more. I would rather die. Leor, don't change, please…'
Vane's voice broke her reverie. "Alya, I have to go somewhere. You should wait for the carriage and head back safely."
As she turned to Vane, he was already running back in the direction of the bakery, dodging carriages and the crowd quickly.
"Huh? Wait, what the hell…? Where are you going? Didn't you have a meeting or something at the church?" Alya asked exasperatedly.
"I'll take care of it, don't worry. Go back home safely, and good luck with your father." Vane waved once at Alya before disappearing from her sight completely.
Back in the bakery, Johan exhaled sharply, his shoulders relaxing as the tension drained from his body. "We should leave now too, no?" he said, glancing at the dazed Leor with a note of urgency.
'I think I can get used to acting like an arrogant young master…' Johan thought with an inner grin.
"Hm, you're right… We're supposed to have a banquet tonight. No need for the arrogant act then, just act like my friend." Standing up straight, Leor said in a thoughtful tone, 'I have to act now. Going to church sounds good—I'll go there first thing in the morning.'
I wonder if we will still have the banquet? The terrorist… the police must have the area completely sealed by now. Maybe at church…
Johan's shoulder dropped, but he quickly recovered.
He asked, slightly concerned. "Are you feeling alright now?"
Leor nodded lightly. "Hm."
Without another word, they left the bakery, heading toward 63rd Square. The streets bustled with life, carriages gathering to pick up passengers.
Yet, for all the noise around them, neither spoke a word.
But Johan could notice, Leor's mental state from morning to now was slowly deteriorating.